Police Clear Seattle Park After Effort To Block Sweep Fails

SEATTLE — The morning after a federal judge denied an effort to block a homeless sweep in Cal Anderson Park, Seattle Police Department and Seattle Parks crews moved in to remove those living there, along with tents and other belongings.

The park has been closed since June 30, the day before Seattle police dismantled the former Capitol Hill Organized Protest Zone, and was subject to two sweeps since. Parks officials had planned to clear the park Wednesday but delayed plans after a group of protesters arrived, and a person living in the park filed a lawsuit claiming the removal violated constitutional rights. The judge denied a request for a temporary restraining order Thursday night, allowing the removal to move forward.

Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda released a statement earlier in the week, raising concern about the encampment removal in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It reads in part:

"I remain concerned with the planned removal and urge first placement in non-congregate shelter options in order to be in compliance with current public health CDC guidance. We need to place folks in available housing and appropriate shelter options, like the additional tiny houses and hotel rooms authorized in the budget, that meet the demographic needs of those in an encampment. City parks represent public space and healthy communities and should be usable by all; and we must balance access to this public health resource with the public health crisis to not put at risk our entire community health."

Alison Elsinger, director of the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, added:

“We had hopes that Seattle’s decision to step back from conducting COVID sweeps in recognition of the serious harm they cause people without homes and the increased risk of exposure for them and others signaled a more reasonable and partnership approach. There are clearly not enough individual housing options or shelter beds available. It is raining and cold. We strongly urge the city to take a different approach.”

On Friday, the city moved ahead with its plan, and the Seattle Police Department issued dispersal orders shortly before 7:45 a.m.

Local journalists at the scene shared images of officers making several arrests in the area as park crews began demolition efforts. KUOW reported Casey Martin posted footage of officers rushing protesters near the park and taking several people to the ground. Aerial footage showed a SWAT team moving into a vacant home occupied by protesters.

According to SPD, police arrested 21 people by Friday afternoon.